Adult With Grade 3 Tosils

An adult patient was sent to me for Orofacial Myology treatment. She has grade 3 tonsils but can and does breathe comfortably through her nose. Should I see her for treatment?

At first, my mind ran to the fact that airway is the major consideration and since she can adequately nose breathe and does so, we can and should begin treatment. Then another thought entered my mind: what if the tonsils themselves cause her to have a forward lingual resting posture? AHA! Now we have to think about more than just the airway. If you completed the thorough oral examination, then you have a good idea about what symptoms she has and if they are related to other structural or functional difficulties. I would have to know your findings for the exam in order to give you more definitive suggestions. It sounds from the limited information I have, that she would be a candidate for treatment with a watchful eye to assure that you are not asking her at any point in treatment to perform an exercise or activity that is impossible for any reason. I will be happy to review her examination if you wish and if she gives permission for me to do so.